Jazz guitarist John Scofield and Friends at the Quick Center, Nov. 17 | Press Releases

The John Scofield Trio will appear at the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts on Friday, Nov. 17 at 8 p.m. Wine Seller Spirits of Fairfield will sponsor a pre-show free wine tasting from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

John Scofield's long and diverse career has been a result of his inimitable guitar work, his masterful compositions and his enduring pursuit of a musical challenge.

His acclaimed 2004 Verve recording, "EnRoute," focuses on the high-wire interaction with some longtime musical partners, in the heat of a live, stripped-down jazz setting. For Scofield, his need to "make a real jazz-improvising statement in a live situation" is characteristic of the adventure he courts when working. He seeks the thrill of immediacy when, as he says, "there's no lifejacket or safety net involved and you don't rely on anything other than good playing." These feelings effectively keep him alert and in tune with his audience. In an attempt to define the mysterious bond between audience and artist, he adds, "There is a symbiotic affinity between the artists and the audience that makes for something special."

From his early days playing jazz, Scofield learned, not only from the esteemed Berkelee College of Music from which he graduated in 1973, but also from a wide variety of bandleaders and musicians for whom he played, including Charles Mingus, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Billy Cobham/George Duke, Gerry Mulligan, McCoy Tyner, Gary Burton and the legendary Miles Davis.

When he began recording as a leader in the late 1970s, Scofield established himself as an influential and innovative player and composer. His recordings - many already classics - include collaborations with contemporary favorites like Pat Metheny, John Medeski, Martin & Wood, Bill Frisell and Joe Lovano.

Scofield continues to be curious and anxious to stretch in new directions. "Scorched," his collaboration with British composer Mark-Anthony Turnage, was recorded in a full orchestral setting and proved to be an example of Scofield's innovative nature. This album, released on the venerable classical imprint, Deutsche Grammophon, helped give Scofield the distinction of receiving two 2004 Grammy nominations in very different categories - Jazz and Classical.

Joining Scofield at the Quick Center, are drummer Bill Stewart and bassist Larry Grenadier, both of whom have played with Scofield on many occasions.

Tickets are $35 and $30; student discounts available with a valid I.D. Call the Quick Center Box Office at (203) 254-4010 or toll free at 1-877-ARTS-396 to purchase tickets. For more information, visit the website, www.quickcenter.com.